Ear sound reflector



y 3, 1932- c. FENSKY EAR SOUND REFLECTOR Filed June 10 1931 Patented May 3, 1932 PATENT QFFICE CHARLES FENSKY, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI EAR SOUND Application filed June 10,

This invention relatesto certain new and useful improvements in ear sound reflectors.

The primary object of the invention is to provide an ear reflector or hearing device adapted to beinserted in the outer ear of a person afliicted with deafness whereby sound waves entering the device are augmented or amplified when contacting the inner ear or parts associated therewith.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the foregoing character and of a size to fit completely within the outer ear with means therein to reduce the escape of rebounding vibrations and other means therein to set up a vibratory action for the for the amplification of sound waves when delivered to the inner ear.

With the above and other objects in view that will become apparent as the nature of the invention is better understood, the same consists in the novel form, combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more fully described, shown in the accompanying drawings and claimed.

In the drawings 2- Figure 1 is a side elevational view of an ear reflector or hearing device constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the same;

Figure 3 is an edge elevational view;

Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Figure3, showing the staggered fins or baflles to reduce the escape of rebounding vibrations or sound waves and the vibrating reed therein;

Figure 5 'is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Figure 1, showing the screw plug section carrying the vibrating reed;

Figure 6is a side elevational View, partly broken away and shown in section to illustrate another form of reed support;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 7'. of Figure 6;

- Figure 8- is a side elevational view of another form of hearing device wherein a sound collecting hood is arranged at the outer end of the horn-like member;

Figure 9 is an edge elevational view of the device shown in Figure 8; and

Figure 10 is a detail sectional view taken REFLECTOR 1931. Serial No. 543,460.

or nipple 11 of tapering formation directed outwardly from one side thereof with an annular bead 12 at its reduced end that aids in the retention of the device in the ear. A funnel or horn-like member 13 arcuate in elevation as shown in Figure 1 is carried by the spherical body 10, spaced 90 from the nipple 11, the horn-like member 13 occupying a position in the outer ear while the nipple is extended in the canal of the ear toward the inner ear.

The horn-like member 13 is open at its outer end and is in open communication at its inner end with the spherical member 10 and said horn-like member adjacent its open outer end is provided with a pair of overlapping staggered inclined baffles 14 directed toward the inner end of said member so that sound waves entering the member will be retarded in rebounding movement to lessen and greatly reduce the escape of sound waves. An annular bafile ring flange 15 is carried by the inner face of the horn-like member 13 adjacent its point of connection with the spherical member 10 and has a relatively large central opening therein through which a flexible reed extends.

As shown more clearly in Figures 4 and 5, the spherical member 10 has a screw plug 16 forming a part of the wall of said member threaded therein and to which one end of the reed 17 is attached as at 18 such as by countersinking the same and said reed 17 that is of blade-like formation to extend through the opening in the bafiie ring 15 has an enlarged disk portion 19 within the spherical member 10, this disk portion 19 tending to prolong vibratory action of the reed. An inclined baffle 20 is provided in the nipple 11 as shown in Figure 5 and operates to reduce the rebounding of sound waves delivered to the inner ear.

In the form of invention shown in Figures 6 and 7, the structural features thereof are substantially the same as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 except that a ring flange 21 is provided in one side of the spherical member 10a and an outwardly directed internally threaded collar 22surrounds the ring flange 21 for the reception of a screw plug 16a. The reed 17a has a bent end 18a that is positioned between the ring flange 21 and screw plug 16a to provide for clamping the reed 17 a in position as illustrated in Figure 7 From the above detailed description of the invention, it is believed that the construction and operation thereof will at once be apparent, it being noted that the device is of a size to be worn within the outer ear and to be practically unnoticeable and the entire device may be constructed of material possessing vibratory qualities to aid in augmentation and amplification of sound waves entering the open outer end of the horn-like member 13. The baffles 14 tend to reduce the escape of rebounding sound waves, as does also the ring bafile 15 while the reed 17 greatly amplifies sound waves which are then transmitted through the nipple 11 into the inner ear.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 8 to 10, the horn-like member 13a is provided with a sound collecting hood at its outer end that comprises an arcuate inclined wall 23 arranged at the outer side of the member 13a and opposite a side opening 24, the arcua-te wall 23 of the hood being spaced from the adjacent side edge of the horn-like member as at 25. An inclined baflle 26 of crescent shape is formed at the outer end of the hood that acts to prevent the escape of rebounding sound waves. The provision of the hood on the end of the horn-like member produces an effect similar to the cupping of the ear by a hand and acts to gather and concentrate sound waves for directing them through the horn-like member. Sound waves may also enter through the space 25 for increasing the elficiency of the device.

While there are herein shown and described the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is nevertheless to be understood that minor changes may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

I claim 1. In a device of the class described, a spherical member, a nipple projecting therefrom, a horn-like member projecting from the spherical member, and means in the hornlike member to prevent escape of rebounding sound waves.

2. In a device of the class described, a spherical member, a nipple projecting therefrom, a horn-like member projecting from the spherical member, means in the horn-like member to prevent escape of reboundin sound waves, and a vibrating reed anchore at one end in the spherical member and extending into the horn-like member.

3. In a device of the class described, a spherical member, a nipple projecting therefrom, a horn-like member projecting from the spherical member, and inclined bafiles in the horn-like member to prevent escape of rebounding sound waves.

4. In a device of the class described, a spherical member, a nipple projecting therefrom, a horn-like member projecting from the spherical member, a vibrating reed anchored at one end in the spherical member and extending into the horn-like member, and a screw plug in the spherical member for the support of the reed.

5. In a device of the class described, a spherical member, a nipple projecting therefrom, a horn-like member projecting from the spherical member, a vibrating reed anchored at one end in the spherical member and extending into the horn-like member, and said reed being transversely enlarged within the spherical member.

6. In a device of the class described, a spherical member, a nipple projecting therefrom, a horn-like member projecting from the spherical member, a vibrating reed anchored at one end in the spherical member and extending into the horn-like member, a screw plug in the spherical member for the support of the reed, and said reed being transversely enlarged within the spherical member.

7. In a device of the class described, a spherical member, a nipple projecting therefrom, a horn-like member projecting from the spherical member, a vibrating reed anchored at one end in the spherical member and extending into the horn-like member, a screw plug in the spherical member for the support of the reed, and said reed being set at one end in the screw plug.

8. In a device of the class described, a spherical member, a nipple projecting therefrom, a horn-like member projecting from the spherical member, a vibrating reed anchored at one end in the spherical member and extending into the horn-like member, a screw plug in the spherical member for the support of the reed, and said reed being clamped between a wall of the spherical member and the screw plug.

9. In a device of the class described, a spherical member, a nipple projecting therefrom, a horn-like member projecting from the spherical member, and inclined baflles in the horn-like member and nipple to prevent escape of rebounding sound waves.

10. In a device of the class described, a spherical member, a nipple projecting therefrom, a horn-like member projecting from the spherical member, means in the horn-like member to prevent escape of rebounding sound Waves, and a sound collection hood 0n the outer end of the horn-like member.

11. In a device of the class described, a spherical member, a nipple projecting therefrom, a horn-like member projecting from the spherical member, means in the horn-like member to prevent escape of rebounding sound Waves, a sound collection hood on the outer end of the horn-like member, and arranged at the outer side thereof.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

CHARLES FENSKY. 

